THEY are called The Enemy - but the Midland teenage trio are making plenty of friends with their dynamic punky attitude and fiery tunes.

Formed just a year ago, singer/ guitarist Tom Clarke, bassist Andy Hopkins and drummer Liam Watts have been tipped as one of the breakthrough acts of 2007.

"We were all mates in Coventry and we did our first gig at the city's Hope & Anchor," says 18-year-old Tom. "But I've only lived in Coventry for two years. I'm originally from Castle Bromwich."

Tom attended Park Hall school, although he claims at least one teacher has no recollection of him being there.

"I went back to the school before we formed the band and my form tutor didn't remember me. I suppose if we make it big they'll come out with stories about how they threw me out of maths lessons!"

The band has already created a little bit of musical history by having their songs released on the Stiff Records label, the first to do so for 20 years.

"Our manager contacted the label and suggested reopening the catalogue. He was told 'no way' but then they heard our stuff and changed their minds. It's a legendary label which we're really proud of."

Stiff Records brought the world the early work of The Damned and Elvis Costello in the late 70s.

"We have a lot in common with those Stiff bands," Tom says. "We sing about things that upset us, and Coventry is pretty bleak, with not much happening, at the moment.

"And when I sing about things like that I get angry which means the music gets loud and my vocals get snarly."

Debut single, 40 Days & 40 Nights, sold all its 1,000 copies in a day. Follow-up, It's Not OK, is released on February 5.

"The first single was the demo version - it was so good we put it out without re-recording it.

"We're working on an album at the moment, with the hope that it will be out in June," Tom reveals. "Most of the record will be raw, in your face stuff but there will also be some acoustic gems which you won't hear when we play live.

"For our concerts we like to keep it loud."

The Enemy play Bar Academy, Birmingham, on February 7. For tickets call 0870 771 2000.